My name is Nina Dershem.  I was born in Russia and moved to America at age 7 and 9 months.  My most vivid life experience was back when I was 5 years old.  My family was very poor at the time and there was a lot of domestic abuse happening.  I ended up being taken away from my family and put in an orphanage where my younger brother, Konstantin, later joined me.  It was a very tough time for us both.  At 7 years old I was adopted by an American couple with my brother, Konstantin, and my youngest brother, Sergey, who had been at a separate orphanage for infants.  Living in a completely different country and a new life was very hard for all of us to adjust to especially because I had spoken no English at the time.  Growing up with my adopted parents was difficult.  At 18 years old, I moved out of my adopted parents home and finished high school all alone. 

 

I have since then worked my way up and have been financially independent.  At times it has been very tough.  There were days that I wasn't sure I would make my rent payments or my utility bills but with my drive and ambition, I have been able to make ends meet.  I have also managed to pay off almost $10,000 worth of debt and have been able to support my own education goals!

 

I am 23 years old and I have two cats named Rilie and Logan (both boys).  I had gotten Rilie first as a kitten. When he was about 10 months old, I realized he really needed a friend and so that's when I started looking for another cat.  I found Logan on Facebook from a girl that no longer wanted him due to his medical condition.  Logan has been the sweetest cat I've ever met and a great companion for not only Rilie but for me.  I'm definitely a catgirl but I do adore dogs as well.

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I am married to the love of my life, Andrew, and we have a beautiful daughter together.  Being a mother, wife, and student is a challenge every day but it is a challenge I'd undergo any day.  I want to get my degrees so bad that it is more motivating having to struggle to get there.

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In my free time, I enjoy working out and running.  I love running the local 5K races and my goal is to complete a 10K this year.  With all the crazy in my life, the only time I can work out is 5 am.  I've managed to set my alarm for 4:15 am during the weekdays and go to the gym.  It really helps my focus and mood throughout the day.

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I am a hard-working and determined woman.  I have overcome a lot in my life already and I'm excited to see where I go next. 

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